KINGSTON, R.I. – Nov. 25, 2025 – The College of Arts and Sciences is a unique pillar within the University of Rhode Island community where students learn by doing. The Theatre Department, in particular, provides a unique learning experience that brings student creativity to life.
Each theatrical season, the department supervises a student-led production where students take on leadership positions such as directing, stage management, design, costumes, props, and other elements to bring a show to life. Typically, the student production features one, full-length play. However, this year, two seniors will direct one-act plays, reflecting the evening’s title: “Two by Two.”
“We have been doing student one-acts or full-length plays since before I arrived in 1985. In fact, for directing majors, it is an honor to be awarded one of these assignments as part of the curriculum for directing B.F.A. majors. After COVID, we decided to include the student-directed full-length as one of our offerings in the main stage season,” said theatre department chair Paula McGlasson.
This experiential learning component provides theatre students hands-on experience and the opportunity to grow practical skills in their chosen medium. However, the larger lesson students come away with is collaboration. Students are encouraged to learn from one another, discover new interests, solve problems together, and create a piece of art they are all proud of.
Brandon Tallardy ’26, B.F.A. Theatre, and Kenneth Dunn ‘26, B.F.A. Theatre with a concentration in directing, were named the annual production’s two directors at the end of the 2024-25 academic year. Tallardy and Dunn spent the summer researching and ultimately selecting the plays they wished to direct. Tallardy landed on Harold Pinter’s The Dumb Waiter, while Dunn is set to direct Free Range Chickens by Ann Wuehler.
“While the pieces differ from each other, they communicate a similar tone,” said Tallardy, who lives in Westerly, R.I.
The Dumb Waiter (1957) explores themes of existentialism, absurdity, and the anxiety of a social hierarchy. Tallardy was deliberate in his choice as a means of creating art that speaks directly to what is happening in society. Pinter is known for his subversive subtext, and Tallardy accepts the challenge to decipher the story’s meaning.
“Subtlety was really important to me when picking a play. So much of the characters’ decision-making is rooted in fear, but it’s not in the text. I’m approaching this with my actors by examining decision-making and how it changes the characters, the world, and the story,” said Tallardy.
Tallardy’s acting experience also influences his approach. Following graduation, he hopes to pursue acting; however, this directorial experience has opened more doors than he expected. As part of a mid-level directing class, students were assigned to direct a 20-minute play for their final, solidifying Tallardy’s interest in expressing himself artistically through directing.
“I’m excited to show a different side of my art and creativity. I get to create the big scope picture, versus focusing solely on my character if I were acting,” said Tallardy.
Dunn loves telling stories, and can craft a compelling tale with intricate detail. Initially an actor, Dunn found his calling after an opportunity to direct an original play in high school. Dunn’s selection, Free Range Chickens (2006)–his directorial debut at URI, came as a surprise.
“I was looking for something dark and gothic, but came out completely on the other end. The play is about the meeting of strangers and develops into something difficult to talk about without spoiling it. I want the audience to go into this blind,” said Dunn, from West Kingston.. “I am so proud and pleased with the cast and crew of this production. I’m very lucky.”
“Two By Two” runs Dec. 4-6 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. in J Studio at the Fine Arts Center, 105 Upper College Road, on the Kingston Campus. All tickets are $10 for the general public, senior citizens and URI students, faculty and staff. Tickets can be purchased online, by calling (401) 874-5843 or at the box office in Room 101H of the Fine Arts Center.
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Free Range Chickens
Kennth Dunn, director
Daniel Carrao, assistant director
Celeste Tucci (Celerina)
Eric Towne (Robert)
Tatiana Sullivan (Celerina understudy)
Ethan Clarke (Robert understudy)
The Dumb Waiter
Brandon Tallardy, director
David Santana, assistant director
Abbey Pezza, dramaturge
Noah Goldman (Ben)
Dylan Tallardy (Gus)
Ethan Clarke (Ben understudy)
Max Hunter (Gus understudy)
Student Production Team
Piper Colyar, costume designer
Rae Hirons, costume designer
Avery Brown, lighting designer
Julia Thelen, lighting designer
Aaron Adams, head electrician
Anna Blaney, props designer
Amelia Connor-McCoy, scenic designer
Kayla Senn, scenic designer and production manager
Alex Pinto, assistant production manager
Honor Pierce, sound designer
Siobhan Kalfur, production stage manager
Parker Frenze, assistant stage manager
Kayla Kennedy, assistant stage manager
This press release was written by Paige Monopoli, communications coordinator for the College of Arts and Sciences.